From raising fees to raising homestead exemptions, Pearland city leaders were given food for thought Monday during a discussion about the proposed new fiscal year budget.
“It’s really not the tax rate that’s hurting the people right now, it’s the appraisal of the property that’s going up and up and up,” said Councilman Woody Owens, who supports raising homestead exemptions for Pearland residents. “We should be looking at a $30,000 to $40,000 homestead exemption.”
The deadline for such a move has passed for this year, but other council members agreed it would be something to consider.
“I’m very open to looking at that after this budget is over,” Councilman Alex Kamkar said.
City Council will hold a public hearing this Monday on a proposed tax rate and budget for a new fiscal year. The council on Aug. 8 agreed on a maximum tax rate of 62.87 cents per $100 of assessed value.
“A lot of people out there say, ‘Well the appraisals go up, so you’re going to lower the rate and I’m still going to pay more in tax,'” Mayor Kevin Cole said. “If you have a homestead exemption, you’re not going to pay a higher tax in the upcoming year with the proposed rate. And the rate can’t go up; we’ve already set it.”
Representing the Pearland Police Officers Association, Sgt. Adam Carroll reminded city council that the market for police officers is highly competitive.
“I’ve stood here as Adam the taxpayer and said it, and I’ve done it as POA president,” he told council members. “We need to take a hard look when we start talking about additional tax cuts — I agree it sounds good and there’s cost savings, but those savings in general seem to be around $20 to $25 a household. I’m curious to know what that costs the city?”
He requested an additional 1 percent pay adjustment for all city staff and adding 20 hours to a sick time buyback program.
“The inflation rate is roughly 9 percent. Bread doesn’t cost the same this year as last year,” he said. “I would like to challenge each of you to take a hard look at what it takes to retain employees.”
Pearland Chamber of Commerce CEO Jim Johnson also addressed the council on Monday, encouraging them to carefully evaluate the impact of adding or raising fees for businesses.
“The Chamber is happy to serve as a facilitator for conversations with businesses on any new changes to fees or changes to policies or codes impacting businesses,” he said.
The council on Monday did not seem supportive of a slate of proposed new fees, especially given a water and wastewater increase for the coming year.
A first reading of the budget and tax rate is set for Sept. 12, and final adoption is expected on Sept. 26. The city’s new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
Council meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. at Council Chambers, 3519 Liberty Drive.
